Gadgets For Hikers

There’s nothing like the great outdoors! And, there’s nothing like the perfect gadgets for hikers, either. As you suit up for your next adventure, you’ll want to have these items on you. Don’t forget the downloadable checklist at the end!

Gadgets For Hikers: Tech Edition

These are for my tech lovers out there. Do I think (expensive) gadgets always need to be in the outside space? No – nature is definitely awesome on its own. Do I think they make certain aspects of being in the outdoors more fun? Absolutely.

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Headphones

This might be categorized as an unpopular opinion! But! I have a soundtrack for epic views, and sometimes I like to listen to it when I get to the top of the trail. Get into my feels and really dig deep in the moment. Fresh air on my face? Check. Camera at the ready? Check. The best sounds in the world to bump and grind to for all of nature to watch? Check.

My favorite headphones to bring are the smaller earbuds, such as airpods. These guys were an absolute game changer for me. Easily fit in my pocket, and their case recharges them for a bit more juice.

Speaker

I take my small bluetooth speaker with me when I’m hiking alone. I usually have it playing on a low-ish volume for some noise. This is my way of letting bigger creatures of the forest know I’m there and walking around. I don’t talk, usually, so I just play some music.

Taking a small bluetooth speaker is also a great way to listen to some great music with friends, especially if you plan on staying later and building a fire. It helps set the vibe.

Solar Powered Charger

I’m a big supporter of bringing battery packs on every adventure – I’m also the WORST at remembering to recharge them before every adventure. Carrying around a solar-powered rechargeable battery pack has saved my bacon a few times. It even comes with some lights just in case.

Solar Powered Watch

This watch was recommended to me as I got more serious into my hiking hobby. This is the type of watch that makes an awesome gift to yourself, or the hiker lover in your life. This is definitely one of those perfect “gadgets for hikers” item – and that is this tactical watch. It helps track your activity, has solar recharge, and the GPS capabilities are fabulous. Of course, it’s perfect for the swimmer, too, as it’s waterproof up to 100 meters.

I’m sure you’ve never drooled over a watch before? But I came pretty close with this guy. It’s REALLY cool.

GPS/Compass

I think a handheld GPS map is one of those things that’s really important to carry, especially if you’re going deep into the backcountry. I know everyone has their spots and can be experts and can be very skilled, but I also know plenty of incredibly skilled hikers who did get lost. And I just cannot recommend having something like this to help you enough.

As a hiker, but also as an avid road tripper, it felt important to have one of these with me as I do road trip into areas without service. And sometimes it can be so random – I don’t have a physical map on me that may be directed at my exact location. Better safe than sorry, as they say.

Walkie Talkies

I love having radios on me. I always give one to a friend who’s with me. One wrong turn, and suddenly you’re alone. It happens! The security in a 2-way radio system is priceless.

Camera

Sometimes you want some really stellar images and videos from your adventure, and I don’t blame you! Phones are amazing and can give you a lot. However, if you’re looking for something more, I suggest getting a GoPro. They’re super user-friendly, small and lightweight, and are meant to take a bit of a beating for adventurous activities and sports.

They also have a great line of accessories to assist with whatever kind of angle you’re going for. I have the El Grande, bite mount, and suction cup for my road trips.

Gadgets For Hikers: Must-Have’s

Welcome to the list of the must-have’s! I ALWAYS carry these items with me. I’ve fallen, I’ve been lost, it got dark, I got cold, I ran out of water… it’s all happened. And I learned how to pack a bit better for myself, and for those who may be hiking with me.

First Aid Kit

Sh*t happens. Splinters, blisters, scrapes and bruises – it’s all part of the experience! They’re light to carry, and usually come with a decent amount of items for all manner of various needs. Space blanket, bandaids, scissors, etc. This first aid kit packs a punch for a small kit!

Headlamp

I initially got this headlamp when I started to dive into astrophotography a little bit. And then it turned into something that’s always in my hiking pack. The battery lasts a nice long time, too. I really appreciate Black Diamond products – I’ve never had an issue with their stuff!

Bear Bell

This is something that just easily hangs off my backpack. I know I’m a big supporter of bringing music on the trails, but I’m not always listening to music. And in those silent moments, it’s nice to know that while I’m walking, I’m still alerting the natural wildlife around me that I exist.

Bear bells are super cheap and take up no space. This one even comes with a silencer.

Water Bladder

Everyone I’ve hiked with chooses to carry and source their water differently. I have a friend who does the double backpack, one is a water pack, and the other is a day bag. Personally, I like to try and keep it to one backpack. Here is the perfect day bag with water bladder. Plenty of room for snacks, a first aid kit, a GoPro, and some layers.

Water Filter

I think investing in a water filtration system is much more useful for multi-day treks when you’ll need to source water out along your journey. This filter from Katadyn does a really nice job and is not a wearisome thing to carry – especially when you’re looking at making sure you have a clean water supply.

Depending on the hike, I’ll bring my life straw if I’m familiar with the water sources and know what I’m getting myself into. There are places, like Iceland for example, you can easily drink the running water without an issue. It’s all about preparedness beforehand.

Waterproof Matches

You never know when a long day trek might turn into an overnight situation. I carry a little pack of waterproof matches with me. I never know they’re there, they’re super lightweight. And were helpful in a situation once! For emergency supplies, you should always aim for the obnoxious red and orange colors so they’re easier to identify.

Battery Pack

If you’re looking for something with more juice than the solar-powered battery packs, I LOVE this one. They sell out quickly and can be hard to track on Amazon. You can try and order direct from Mophie HERE.

Hiking Poles

I don’t know why it took me so long to get hiking poles in my life. It wasn’t until I really hurt myself on a glacier hike and needed to support my knee more that I was a convert to the hiking pole community. I started out with super cheap ones to see what they were all about, and I learned a lot about what’s the right size for me and that sometimes more expensive poles can make all the different. I will always recommend Black Diamond products – here are my hiking poles from them.

What Are Some Of Your Favorite gadgets For Hikers?

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